Three self-employed mums from Brighton and Hove have joined forces to create “a complete postnatal recovery programme to support new mums during lockdown”.
They believe that the online course, named “The 360 Mama” because of its holistic approach towards postnatal recovery, is the first of its kind.
They said that it offers “a unique combination of nutrition, self-massage and physiotherapy” – and it goes live today (Wednesday 9 September).
Hannah West, Chloe Manlay and Emma Bradley came up with the idea and wanted to put their 25 years’ collective professional experience to good use.
They are experts in their individual fields – as a soft tissue and scar massage therapist, a registered nutritionist and yoga teacher and a women’s health physiotherapist and pilates instructor respectively.
They met through their shared passion for women’s health and have four young children between them as well as personal experience with various types of birth.
Emma Bradley said: “A recent study found that the postnatal period is an underserved aspect of maternity care which will come as no shock to most.
“Let’s face it, after the six-week check, you’re pretty much on your own.
“So many women are struggling with their postnatal recoveries and simply don’t know where to turn.”
The trio had been talking about creating an “ultimate postnatal recovery programme” for some time, seeing the need for a truly accessible, one-stop destination, for expert advice and support.
When the coronavirus lockdown started, they said that it felt like their duty to deliver the 360 Mama.
They knew it was a much-needed resource in its own right, but especially for new mums, struggling without the usual “mum and baby” groups and face-to-face medical appointments to rely on.
Ms Bradley said: “If you are even lucky enough to have a six-week GP check, it isn’t the all-clear to return to previous exercise and certainly doesn’t mean everything is ’back to normal‘.
“There is so much more to full postnatal recovery – and that’s where we can help.
“We know how easy it is to focus all your time and energy on your new baby and forget about your own needs.
“Unfortunately, this can lead to long-term consequences for your mind and body. It’s something we see in our clinics all too often.
